NES2305 : Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
NES2305 : Biodiversity, Ecology and Conservation
- Offered for Year: 2024/25
- Module Leader(s): Dr Gavin Stewart
- Lecturer: Dr Isabel Smallegange
- Owning School: Natural and Environmental Sciences
- Teaching Location: Newcastle City Campus
- Capacity limit: 110 student places
Semesters
Your programme is made up of credits, the total differs on programme to programme.
| Semester 2 Credit Value: | 20 |
| ECTS Credits: | 10.0 |
| European Credit Transfer System | |
Pre-requisite
Modules you must have done previously to study this module
Pre Requisite Comment
BIO1022 is not a pre-requisite but knowledge of this module will be an advantage. Attendance on field trips requires physical fitness to access and traverse pathless semi-natural habitats
Co-Requisite
Modules you need to take at the same time
Co Requisite Comment
N/A
Aims
To develop students’ appreciation of biodiversity science, ecological theory and conservation biology as evidence-based scientific disciplines; to provide the background for further study of biodiversity, ecology and conservation at Stage 3.
Outline Of Syllabus
This module considers ecosystems and ecosystem processes to provide an understanding of how species interact with each other and their abiotic space. The resultant ecosystem services and how they can be managed underpin the development of understanding about conservation science covering major terrestrial ecosystems.
Lectures cover the following topics:
lectures and seminars cover the following topics:
concepts of biodiversity
life history theory
demography
dispersal theory
ecological-evolutionary dynamics
why conservation matters
Woodlands
wetlands
grasslands
montane habitats
evidence-based conservation
Practicals and field trips cover ecological theory, analysis of life history tables, quantitative analysis of biodiversity data, and management.
Learning Outcomes
Intended Knowledge Outcomes
Ability to:
• Explain ecological theories and give specific examples.
• Discuss reasons for biodiversity changes and the problems of conserving populations.
• Synthesise information, critique a range of conservation actions and determine appropriate conservation
actions.
Intended Skill Outcomes
Ability to:
• Synthesise and apply lecture ideas to field observations.
• Use software to analyse data, compare ecological communities and produce figures.
• Report and discuss analysis results in a formal scientific writing style.
• Marshal arguments and interpret information objectively, in an emotive area of science.
Teaching Methods
Teaching Activities
| Category | Activity | Number | Length | Student Hours | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 18 | 0:30 | 9:00 | Revision for exam |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 1 | 13:00 | 13:00 | Problem solving questions. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 50:00 | 50:00 | Completing Written Exercise analysing data collected on fieldtrip. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 20:00 | 20:00 | Assessed fieldtrip write up. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Lecture | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | 5 lectures in-person. |
| Guided Independent Study | Assessment preparation and completion | 1 | 2:00 | 2:00 | Final Exam |
| Guided Independent Study | Directed research and reading | 18 | 1:00 | 18:00 | Online lecture material follow up |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Practical | 1 | 3:00 | 3:00 | One 3-hour practical. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Small group teaching | 10 | 1:00 | 10:00 | 10 seminars in-person. |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 2 | 3:00 | 6:00 | Field trips |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Fieldwork | 2 | 5:00 | 10:00 | Two all day field trips (10.00 till 15.00) |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 1 | 45:00 | 45:00 | Background reading |
| Guided Independent Study | Independent study | 2 | 2:00 | 4:00 | Field trip follow up |
| Scheduled Learning And Teaching Activities | Scheduled on-line contact time | 5 | 1:00 | 5:00 | Online sessions. |
| Total | 200:00 |
Teaching Rationale And Relationship
A blend of online and in-person lectures and seminars provide a conceptual understanding of the underlying ecological theory of patterns and processes and the need for and design of conservation action. Practicals give students experience of analysing ecological data sets, and exploring computer simulated scenarios. The fieldwork classes expand on some biodiversity and conservation issues. Reading expands on biodiversity and conservation issues and practice.
Reading Lists
Assessment Methods
The format of resits will be determined by the Board of Examiners
Other Assessment
| Description | Semester | When Set | Percentage | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Practical/lab report | 2 | M | 30 | Problem solving questions based on understanding of whole module content. |
| Written exercise | 2 | M | 70 | Written exercise analysing data collected on fieldtrip. |
Formative Assessments
Formative Assessment is an assessment which develops your skills in being assessed, allows for you to receive feedback, and prepares you for being assessed. However, it does not count to your final mark.
| Description | Semester | When Set | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prob solv exercises | 2 | M | periodic "quizes to self test knowledge and understanding". |
Assessment Rationale And Relationship
The fieldtrip write up is designed to assess the students’ skills in applying theory to biodiversity and community ecology; data analysis, interpretation and presentation skills; plus scientific writing, with use of supporting literature. The problem solving questions test knowledge of both structured and independent learning and ability to apply knowledge to problems.
Timetable
- Timetable Website: www.ncl.ac.uk/timetable/
- NES2305's Timetable
Past Exam Papers
- Exam Papers Online : www.ncl.ac.uk/exam.papers/
- NES2305's past Exam Papers
General Notes
N/A
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Disclaimer
The information contained within the Module Catalogue relates to the 2024 academic year.
In accordance with University Terms and Conditions, the University makes all reasonable efforts to deliver the modules as described.
Modules may be amended on an annual basis to take account of changing staff expertise, developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback. Module information for the 2025/26 entry will be published here in early-April 2025. Queries about information in the Module Catalogue should in the first instance be addressed to your School Office.